Chapter 4: Confrontation


A.N. Yeah, it took me awhile to update; but now that Anzu's Yami (my other, and my first-ever fanfiction; please read it! Oops, shouldn't be self-advertising...) is just about completed, I SHOULD have more time to write this! I already have the plot outlined in my mind, but for some reason, this story is kind of hard to write. Well, I'll try to pay more attention to it now! Thanks for enjoying it, by the way. ^_^

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh!, so shoot me. (Actually don't; I've actually suffered a gunshot before, and it hurt A LOT, to say the least. I was supposed to die from it, but those stupid doctors don't know anything. Anyway, that wasn't my point. I DON'T OWN YU-GI-OH!!!) I also don't own The Princess Bride, either the book or the movie, but I just HAD to put a certain line from it in. ^_^

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I'm so sorry... Isis whispered. I nodded my head, trying to hold back my tears. I wasn't upset about my father's death - I hadn't seen him in five years - but I WAS upset that it was my little brother that killed him. As far as I was concerned, it was another unnecessary and unfair judgment that he had made - his victims were now upwards of five hundred - over something stupid.

But the worst part was, now Yuugiou was pharaoh.

Like an old wound never completely healed, my rage opened up again. I was the eldest child; therefore, I should have been pharaoh. It wasn't fair that I couldn't become the leader of Egypt because I had pale skin and white hair. And, even more importantly, it wasn't fair to her people; I had a feeling that a reign of tyranny would soon begin.



I looked up in surprise at Mariku, who was smiling to himself. Isis looked just as shocked. Mariku, he's just lost his father! And his mother passed away only one season ago, from her sickness. Might I ask what is so perfect' about that?

The older boy shook his head. No, no... I too am saddened by the loss of our pharaoh, but don't you see? Now is the perfect time to strike!
Isis raised her eyebrows, but said nothing. However, some of Mariku's enthusiasm was beginning to rub off onto me as I caught onto what he was saying. You're right, Mariku! We should act before my brother officially takes the throne; he's most likely extremely hassled and busy with all of the legal work and ceremonies right now. That'll put him at a disadvantage; not to mention, it would be the perfect time to seize the throne for myself!

But let me battle him first! Mariku said, suddenly serious. That way, I'll be able to avenge my father, too. Then you can challenge him yourself, and claim your rightful spot as pharaoh!

I nodded my head. Okay, it's a deal. But don't take all of the fun for yourself; I want my Duel with him to be an honourable one!

He nodded back. Right. Do you want to be the referee for my match? I'll do yours, if you want.

Sure, that's fine! When do we leave? I asked.

His eyes glimmered.

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We arrived at the town gates about an hour and a half after sunset. After Mariku made an offering to Ra, and I made one to Thoth, we headed up to the still-familiar palace.

We paused at the entrance way. What was it like... living here? Mariku whispered to me.

I closed my eyes, visualizing the first five years or so of my life. It was... nice inside. There were lots of guards, lots of gold, lots of comforts... but it was always, somehow... cold. You know, distant... like living in another person's world...

My companion's eyes were full of understanding. Yeah, I know what you mean... ...were they afraid of you in the palace, too?

I answered slowly. They feared me greatly, for how I looked. ...But I think that these days, they fear my little brother more...

After a moment more of silence, we continued forward, until we reached the main gates. One of the head guards stopped us, demanding our names and reason for being here. I simply pulled the cloak covering my face and hair down, and they recognized who I was. Good... they still remember me... I thought.

We reached the throne room in no time. My brother was sitting there, arms crossed and a smug look on his face, as if he was expecting us. I could feel my heart beating faster, and faster, and faster, until I thought it would burst from the suspense.

Finally, Mariku approached the pharaoh; their eyes met, and with a steady gaze, he spoke. Hello. My name is Ishtar Mariku. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

His voice was a deadly calm, a knife of subtle darkness cutting through the thick night air. His eyes, intense with calm, controlled anger, shimmered gently in the torchlit room. A little more than five years ago, it had been his father requesting a duel in this room. Now, his son stood in the very same place that he once had, his golden Rod, newly polished, glimmering in the dim, almost demonic light.

My younger brother smiled, as if Mariku's words amused him. You wish to Duel me? Very well, I accept. But be warned - you face the same fate as your father. For not if, but when you lose, I will be forced to... Mind Crush you.

I don't plan on losing. Mariku replied, narrowing his eyes and gripping his Rod tighter. I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time. And mark my words - it will be you, not I, Yuugiou, that shall fail!

The eight-year-old smiled icily. Then let the Shadow Game begin.

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^_^ It's short, yes, but I felt that I HAD to put up something, because lots of people were asking for an update. I'll try and make the next chapter longer! Oh, I'm curious on what I should do: should I write out the battle, or not write it out? Just trying to keep everybody happy.

Please review! Thanks!